OCVarsity Kickoff ’16: Tustin preview

Myron Miller, who notched a 154-69-1 record in 17 seasons before retiring as Tustin High's football coach, is returning for a second stint at the Tillers' helm.
Myron Miller, center, who is returning this season as Tustin's head coach, poses with six of the team's top players. They are, from left, Gregory Kimble, Shaquille Alacati, KC Carr III, Sagel Simon II, Marwin Alacati and Sai Mikaio.
Tustin is expected to contend for the Empire League title this season. The Tillers will be led by Greg Kimble, from left, Shaquille Alapati, Sagel Simon II, KC Carr III, Marwin Alapati, and Sai Mikaio.
Tustin's Shaquille Alapati.
Tustin's KC Carr III.
Tustin's Greg Kimble.
Tustin's Sai Mikaio.
Tustin's Marwin Alapati.
Tustin's Sagel Simon II.

By Damian Calhoun | dcalhoun@scng.com | Daily Breeze

August 24, 2016 at 1:51 a.m.

OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:

TUSTIN TILLERS

Last season: 8-3 overall; 4-1 league

Scouting report: Myron Miller retired as the Tillers’ coach in 2012, but returns this season. O.C. fans know what to expect from a Miller-coached team – hard-nosed football. Tustin has seven starters returning on offense and six on defense. The offense’s strength starts up front with a pair of returning all-league lineman, Sai Mikaio and Shaquille Alapati. Miller has a trio of running backs, Derek Soto, Kenneth Carr and Marwin Zaragoza. Soto, Zaragoza, Mikaio and Alapati will also lead the way on defense.

Bottom line: With Miller in charge, the Tillers will return to being a grind-it-out, physical team, and they’ll be a force in the Empire League and probably the CIF-SS playoffs, too.

Players to watch: Marwin Zargoza, FB/MLB, Sr.; Sai Mikaio, OT, Jr.; Shaquille Alapati, OT, Sr.; Derek Soto, RB/SS, Sr.; Kenneth Carr, RB, Jr.; Sean Sasi, OL, Sr.

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